Due to the rapid flow of water in the Sutlej River, work is underway on a war footing to protect the Dhusi Dam near Mandala Chhanna to divert the flow and keep the Dhusi Dam safe.
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal stated that only embankments can protect the Dhusi Dam. He explained that even though only 20,500 cusecs of water is flowing in the river, the rapid flow of water is causing the dam to collapse. Four houses have been evacuated due to land erosion. Meanwhile, IAS officer Jasvir Singh arrived in Mandala Chhanna and took stock of the situation. Jasvir Singh has served as SDM in Shahkot and has experience working during the devastating floods of 2019 and 2023. Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal is coordinating and managing the team’s work. He also encouraged officials from the Punjab Police, Army, and Drainage Department and thanked them for standing with the people during difficult times and supporting the efforts to save the Dhusi Dam.
Saluting the spirit of Punjabis, Seechewal said that Punjab has always shown solidarity and unity in times of crisis. It is in the nature of Punjabis that they have supported the suffering for centuries. He explained that the Sutlej River has changed its course and is flowing directly towards the Dhusi Dam, causing the crumbling walls of the Dhusi Dam to collapse into the river. To save the Dhusi Dam, the nature of the river must be understood and a strategy must be adopted to suit its changing nature. Satnam Singh, Sarpanch of Mandala Chhanna, reported that four houses have been damaged due to the erosion from the river. A large portion of one house was swept away by the river. Other houses have developed major cracks. Household items were evacuated in time. He appealed to the Punjab government to rehabilitate the four damaged houses.
